From last week's ballot, Victorian public sector mental health workers have voted to approve the Victorian Public Mental Health Services. Enterprise Agreement 2020-2024.

Of workers who voted, 94.6% voted in favour of the new EBA.

When will the new EBA come into effect?

As the agreement has been voted on and approved, the next step is to submit it to the Fair Work Commission for approval. The Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association will make an application to the FWC , after which the EBA goes through the approval process. Unfortunately, we can't anticipate how long this will take as the timeframe for certification depends on the Commissioner we are appointed and the backlog of other agreements waiting for certification.

This has been a long campaign, with HACSU members on the frontlines of both an intense negotiation and an unprecedented global health crisis — a crisis that has shown just how important your work is. 

Whilst the EBA has been approved, there is still a lot of work to do in building a better mental health system for workers and for all Victorians. If you want to continue to use your voice, there's no better time to sign up as a delegate or a HSR in your worksite.

For members in allied health, we'll be launching a campaign this year to lead us into the next EBA — please get in touch if you'd like to be involved. This will expand to include all classifications and specialisations. We will be contacting members for consultation groups across allied health, nursing, lived experience, admin and PSOs, so keep an eye on your inbox!

Forensicare EBA

HACSU's bargaining team met with Forensicare today, as we approach the finalisation of the Victorian Institute of Forensic Mental Health Services Enterprise Agreement. Drafting is currently focused on ensuring all wins from the Public Mental Health EBA are reflected alongside Forensicare members' wins, and we expect to provide an update to members shortly.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with your organiser or contact us at assist@hacsu.asn.au or on 1300 651 931.

Click here to download a printable PDF copy of this update.